Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. Extension’s educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture. ® Know how. Know now. Alice Henneman, MS, RDN Nebraska Extension Educator Big Bowl game day is the second-largest day for U.S. food consumption, after Thanksgiving Day, according to Wikipedia. Develop a winning Big Bowl “food game plan” by thinking like a football player on the playing field. Only, instead of the opposing team, your field is filled with food and refreshments. Here are eight winning strategies: 1. HAVE A GAME PLAN Plan a successful defense against food that is excessive in fat and calories: • Equip yourself — include some lower-calorie drinks and munchies. • Position yourself away from heaping platters. • Go in knowing what you will eat. For example, choose to have the three choices you will enjoy the most. You don’t have to eat some of everything just because it’s there. 2. SIZE UP THE OPPONENT • Look at the stats on different foods. Check for a Nutrition Label that tells how many calories per serving. • Eat food from a plate versus directly from a bag or box so you’re not blindsided by the amount you’re consuming. 3. GET IN CONDITION • Lift a weight — other than your own, preferably at least twice a week! Take walks to whittle your waistline. The sooner you start, the greater the benefits. Physical activity and added muscle boost your metabolism and burn calories. 4. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT BEFORE THE GAME • Resist overloading on calories before the game. Keep a few calories in re- serve so you can enjoy goodies later without guilt. 5. AVOID PENALTIES • Avoid later weight penalties from too many calories by choosing smaller portions. • Don’t let anyone get a penalty for drinking and driving. Remind your guests to have a designated driver and offer alcohol-free beverages. 6. KEEP YOURSELF IN THE GAME Don’t get taken out of the game because of food poisoning: • Follow the “two-hour rule.” Leaving perishable food at room tempera- ture more than two hours is a big mistake. When food sits out for more than two hours, bacteria can easily mul- tiply and cause foodborne illness. Set out small amounts of perishable foods and replace those with clean plates of food within two hours. Catherine, www.flickr.com/dunawayalt Your Big Bowl Game Plan for Healthy Eating Brian Vargas, www.flickr.com/ardvaark makipapa, www.flickr.com/makipapa Continued on next page